Sessions: Family, Children, Seniors, Maternity, Newborn, etc.
I've thrown this blog post together in hopes of helping you better prepare for your shoot, and also give you an idea of what to expect. I get so many of the same questions from clients before shoots, so this should be a place where most of your questions are answered. Of course, if you have any further questions, or need additional info, you can always contact me.
Annnddddddd - Here. We. Go.
Lets start at the beginning. For the most part, I am a natural light, on location photographer (yup folks, that means the chances of you seeing me use flash at your session are slim to none.) Now, it doesn’t mean I don’t own a whole heap of specialist lighting equipment because I do. But over the years, I have taught myself to ‘see’ and use available light to the max, for a more flattering, much better effect. Ok, actually I'll be honest, I don't like flash at all. Obviously, it's necessary at times. But. I. just. don't. like. it. period. I feel it takes so much away from an image.
Now, if I decide I want to add a really cool effect to, say, a sunset or night time shot, then yes, I'll use an on camera or off camera flash because you can do some pretty darn cool things with off camera lighting. But unless you plan to drag the kiddos, and yourself, to the shoot at 3 a.m. (HA), don't plan on seeing me with a huge umbrella and stands.
Time of session and shooting locations
Just a few short years ago, I learned what light works best for me and the look I want to achieve in pictures. And while I do sometimes schedule sessions in the afternoon (when my clients are unavailable during my preferred times), the majority of my shoots will happen early in the morning (we're talkin' 7 a.m. here people. Yikes, I know), or later in the evening (between 6:30 - 9 p.m.) Of course, these hours are during the late spring/summer/early fall months (April - October) because we all know it gets dark at darn near noon in the winter here. And who wants to shoot outside in a blizzard anyway?
The natural light during the morning and evening hours is absolutely perfect. Shooting in the afternoon, and in direct sunlight, does not typically give me the effect I'm looking for in images. The lighting is just too harsh in the afternoon and the heat can be as well. In the morning, or the evening, you have that perfect glow of reds and oranges from the sky. I just love it! And I know you will too :)
So, to sum up, don't plan on a 2 p.m. session unless you really, really, really, absolutely want it then.
As far as locations, we can literally go anywhere (I should probably mention there is a travel fee for areas further than 20 miles of Niles, MI). I'm always open to new ideas, but I also have access to some of the best photographic locations in Southwest Lower Michigan (I say access, this may be legal, or illegal, but I haven't been done for trespassing yet - knocking on wood).
We live in a beautiful part of this state, so I like to consider my studio the backyard of Southwest Michigan. Don't be alarmed if we end up in a wheat field in the middle of Buchanan, or next to a barn on the back roads of Niles. I am always scouting out new locations to shoot at, in hopes of making your session as unique and one of a kind as possible.
So, if you're clueless on where to shoot, I'd be more than happy to suggest locations :)
Hair cut - check.
New outfits - check.
Spray tan - check.
Make-up applied - check.
Funky new face cleanser the night before - check check check.
(Deep sigh)………Ok, so some photographers do want you to do all of the above. After all, you’re investing money into something that will be handed down through the generations, passed from email to email, delivered by mail in the form of Christmas and birthday cards, so yup, YOU want it to be perfect. BUT I am not like every photographer. I am ‘me' and no part of 'me' expects 'you' to do any of the above....or be perfect, for that matter.
Photo shoots are definitely something to prepare for, but they don't require you to look or act like someone you're not. So please, avoid doing anything new to yourself, your hubby or your kids. Stick with the long, curly, frizzy hair, the natural skin tones and please don't go out and spend $200 on new clothes. You just don't need to because chances are you already have everything in your closets.
What should we wear???
The most frequently asked question I get from clients is "what should we wear." While I am no personal stylist, I do know what typically works and doesn't work for pictures.
Solid colors, plaids, polo's and any 'earth tone' attire always work best for pictures. Remember, simplicity is beauty! Please leave the neon-colored skirts and shirts that look like they got in a fight with a can of spray paint at home. Also, try to coordinate with the location we will be shooting at. For example, if we'll be at the beach, obviously blues will work great. If we're shooting in the fall, try to coordinate with the colors of the leaves (this doesn't mean wear pink people!).
Ladies
- If you typically don't wear make-up, don't! If you wear make-up, do it like you usually would. The last thing you need in pictures is a face that doesn't resemble yours. So if people are use to seeing your natural beauty, please don't come to the session with mounds of eye make up and ruby red blush on your cheeks. And don't forget the lip gloss! Even if you don't wear make up, you want your lips to look good.
- As far as tanning, spray tanning or massive sunburns.....eeeeck. Lets put it this way - my camera has a little quirk of turning tans even orangy-er (is that even a word???) than they already are. It’s just not a good look and there's only so much photoshoping I can do, and taking orange out of skin isn't one of them. Avoid tanning at least two days before your session. If you happened to fall asleep in the sun the day before your session, and you look like a lobster the day of, we will definitely want to reschedule. I can get rid of blemishes, but I can't rid sunburns.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before. Tired, baggy eyes will show up in the final images.
- Your hands will probably be in a few of the images so consider doing your nails right before your portrait session.
- Along with that, kicking off your shoes can be a fun way to shake up the look of the images so be sure those nails are done too!
- Don't pick outfits where your bra strap will hang out, or your bra will show through the shirt. Also be careful not to wear dark colored bras under light colored shirts or you might be surprised what shows up in the final photographs.
Guys
- On the day of the session, take a shower, shave and comb your hair as you usually would. Just please don't show up with "bed head" (yes, it happens!)
- Bring along a couple of different nice shirts to change into. Don't worry, I won't make you do complete wardrobe changes after each scene, but a few different nice shirts are fine.
- PLEASEEEEE keep reminding yourself that MY SESSIONS ARE FUN!!! Seriously! I can't tell you how many guys dread photo sessions. Mine aren't bad at all - promise! Come to the session with an open mind and all will be good :)
Dressing the family
First and foremost - lets stay away from the white and denim look - PLEASE! It's old and way, way, wayyyy overused. I encourage you to make everyone coordinate, but making the entire family match to a T is just BLAH!
Try throwing the guys in plaid and the girls in solid colors. Put the girls in sun dresses and the guys in polos. Really, you can't go wrong. And you don't need to be a fashion expert to know what will work.
The picture below is the perfect example of a cute family outfit. Notice they coordinate, but aren't all matchy.
Ohh, and don't forget to iron!!! I can't spray wrinkle release on my computer screen :) And bring as many outfits as you want. Really, I don't mind and I don't limit you to how many times you change. Heck, bring a suitcase, I don't care.
The day of the shoot
Wow, now that all that is out of the way, the big day is here - weeks of planning, praying the weather stays nice and that the kids behave. The only advice I can give is too relax, seriously RELAX. Let me be the nervous one (I’m always nervous before a shoot – I’d love to say I don’t feel the pressure, but I do).
Who cares if nothing goes as planned, that's pretty much a rule with photography because 9 times out of 10, things change during the shoot.
And NEVER be embarrassed by anything. I've been doing this long enough now and and have seen it all before. I have a lot of patience (and when I get home I have access to a good supply of alcohol). So just chill and enjoy the experience.
What happens if it rains?
Unless your session is is indoors, sadly we do have to reschedule. Now, I know the photo above clearly shows I did a session in the rain, but this was unexpected rainfall, and I was covered under an outdoor building.....and this handsome little fella wouldn't come out of the rain!
Although I have shot in the past in the rain (mainly because we were caught off guard), I have way too much invested in my camera equipment and none of it is waterproof. if we happen to get stuck in unexpected rainfall, we can wait the storm out, or finish the session the soonest day I have open.
Although I have shot in the past in the rain (mainly because we were caught off guard), I have way too much invested in my camera equipment and none of it is waterproof. if we happen to get stuck in unexpected rainfall, we can wait the storm out, or finish the session the soonest day I have open.
Also, as a heads up, I do occasionally have another photographer or two with me. A lot of photographers (especially those just starting in the business) will ask to shadow me. They're all very nice and won't be jumping, yelling or screaming at your session. They're only there for the experience. If I do plan to have someone with me, I'll give you a notice, but if you feel one camera and lens pointing in your face is enough, then just let me know.
How to book…..(if I haven’t put you off)
You can drop me an email at erikarenephotography@gmail.com or use the contact form on the menu bar. I'm usually pretty booked up to one month in advance, but I do occasionally have cancellations, so I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible to set your date.
How does payment work?
The total for all portrait sessions is $275. This includes 1-2 hours of shooting, up to 2 locations of your choice, unlimited outfits, unlimited photographs (typically between 50-150 images from your session, depending on the time length), online proofing and ordering (images online 2-3 weeks after your session) and a disc of all edited images (for your printing and sharing pleasure. Images are left high-resolution and come with a print release form).
I will send an invoice to you a few days before your session. On the day of your session, $175 is due. This covers my time and talents with you, and all processing of your images in the days following. This may be made by check, money order or cash. Credit cards are not accepted at this time. Once I have your disc finished (2-3 weeks after your session), the remaining balance of $100 is due.
Do you offer prints?
If you would like to order prints through my lab, I can provide a price sheet. However, I am strictly a digital photographer, which means all of your images are provided on the disc for you to print in unlimited quantities, at any lab of your choice. It's a much easier, less stressful and a hassle-free way of ordering your images and I have found that all of my clients appreciate this approach 10 times better than having to order only a select amount of images with a hefty price tag.
Now, as far as wallets go (especially for senior pictures), unfortunately I have yet to find a lab in our area which offers the rounded-edge wallets. For this reason, I do offer the option of ordering wallet prints for you. I'll include a price sheet with your disc.
You may also order prints directly from the photo-viewing website. Simply pick out the images you want, place your order, and the prints arrive to your doorstep.
How does payment work?
The total for all portrait sessions is $275. This includes 1-2 hours of shooting, up to 2 locations of your choice, unlimited outfits, unlimited photographs (typically between 50-150 images from your session, depending on the time length), online proofing and ordering (images online 2-3 weeks after your session) and a disc of all edited images (for your printing and sharing pleasure. Images are left high-resolution and come with a print release form).
I will send an invoice to you a few days before your session. On the day of your session, $175 is due. This covers my time and talents with you, and all processing of your images in the days following. This may be made by check, money order or cash. Credit cards are not accepted at this time. Once I have your disc finished (2-3 weeks after your session), the remaining balance of $100 is due.
Do you offer prints?
If you would like to order prints through my lab, I can provide a price sheet. However, I am strictly a digital photographer, which means all of your images are provided on the disc for you to print in unlimited quantities, at any lab of your choice. It's a much easier, less stressful and a hassle-free way of ordering your images and I have found that all of my clients appreciate this approach 10 times better than having to order only a select amount of images with a hefty price tag.
Now, as far as wallets go (especially for senior pictures), unfortunately I have yet to find a lab in our area which offers the rounded-edge wallets. For this reason, I do offer the option of ordering wallet prints for you. I'll include a price sheet with your disc.
You may also order prints directly from the photo-viewing website. Simply pick out the images you want, place your order, and the prints arrive to your doorstep.
So, that’s basically it! Feel free to ask me any questions, photography, or non photography related :)
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